BRITISH WWII 2ND PATTERN FIGHTING KNIFE, IDENTIFIED GROUP.

An extremely rare item in virtually mint unissued condition, 2nd pattern Fairbairn Sykes knife, totally untouched piece, the blade is full length and bright in its original profile. It has not been sharpened or re-tipped. Absolutely clear logos of the FS Fighting Knife to one side and Wilkinson Sword Company, London to the opposite side, still covered in original grease. The machine turned grip is still with all its blackened finish and with a build-up of verdigris where it has lain against the leather scabbard since WWII. The scabbard itself as with the knife is in superb condition, all of the blackened finish to the lower scabbard chape is intact. The leather leg tabs have been cut off, the elastic hilt retaining band is complete and undamaged but has lost some of its elasticity. The leather is totally unmarked. Accompanying the knife is an item that we have never encountered before being a 17cm long and 3cm wide at its widest point steel sock knife, this item is very similar but much longer than the thumb knives that are shown on page 90 of British and Commonwealth Military Knives by Ron Flook. It has no scabbard, it is made from solid steel with sharpened edges. The point has been slightly burred and was obviously a concealed knife for carrying in a belt or sock. These two incredibly rare items are part of the estate of Captain R.S.Edlin, the two items original acquired from his daughter and his daughter has supplied copy paperwork relating to her fathers service. The first document is dated 7th August 1946 on the headed paper of Security Intelligence, Middle East, General Headquarters Middle East Land Forces appears to be a reference from the head of Security Brigadier G.S.Douglas Roberts in which he outlines Captain Edlins service with the Field Security Service as a Warrant Officer and subsequent commission as an officer to the Intelligence Services, he was employed successfully in the planning of security operations in the Balkans and he was finally placed in charge of our Balkan and Allied Section. He then goes on to describe his enthusiastic and successful work, his appointment as Captain from July 1945, a copy movement order to Athens, a copy of his Security Personnel Identity Card with a photograph on both sides and a copy of his Medal Ribbon award. It will be noted that we have cut from the signed statement the address of the daughter of Captain Edlin. A magnificent group. Condition:

Code: 68349